Influence

We’ve all got it…no exception to the rule. It doesn’t matter whether you’re filthy rich or dirt poor; well educated or illiterate. It doesn’t matter what color you are, what religion you profess or where you live…you’ve got it. Hands down…you’ve got it. Do you know what “it” is? It’s Influence.  You have influence!

I’ve heard more times than I can remember this definition for leadership. “Leadership is influence.” I’ve always thought that was a limited definition and missed the broader stroke painted by all of humanity. Leadership is far more than just influence…and influence is cast by more than just leaders. In fact…you don’t even have to be alive to possess influence. Couples who are considering having a baby are influenced by the mere thought of that bundle of life long before the child shows up inside the womb. The little child is propelling the parents to create a room in the house designated as a nursery.  The influence of this little one is all over the couple even before the child’s existence.

How many names could we all begin to recite, names that identify people long since deceased, but whose shadows of influence fall across the bow of our life’s journey.  And they weren’t necessarily “leaders” as we think of leaders. It may have been a quiet, unassuming grandma who seemed to always know what to say to you or how to encourage you. It may have been that mom or dad, who stood by you and loved you even when you weren’t lovable. And they influenced you to become more than you thought you could be. Maybe it was a teacher, or a friend, or just someone who passed through your life unexpectantly and left a lasting mark…a brand of influence.

Influence…we all have it. And as a result…it can be downright intimidating. I mean let’s face it, how many times have you worried that what you did or said would harm someone or create a misunderstanding or lead someone away from where they needed to be. You were fearful that your “influence” would be a negative in the lives of those around you. Some become wall shadows instead of long shadows that fall across the character of those with whom they come in contact. No matter what we do…we teach a behavior or a response or an attitude.  But what we teach is not necessarily what our first action or attitude exhibited. 

None of us live out perfection. No one fails to miss a beat, or stumble at times, or speak without dulling the sharp edges of their words. Not one person lives and fails to sin. We all do…we all fall short. We all take our influence and bludgeon it with sinful behavior, wrong choices, or flagrantly spoken syllables joined together by personal anger rather than thoughtful reflection. Oh…yeah…we’ve been there. We know what it’s like to take positive influence and leave it bloodied and broken, laying in a corner of regret.

But godly influence is influence that sees beyond the angst of the moment and into the redemptive grace of God. Sinful actions can remain as your lasting legacy or memory…or, we can allow ourselves to be redeemed and thereby allowing our influence to be redeemed. If you stop in the pit of sin and stay there…your influence leads people to live in the sin with you. When you turn to Christ, repent and walk with Him, people see the difference and instead of your influence leaving them in the pit of sin, it leads them to a walk of humility and victory.

I know…Oh how I know. I love the Lord, I love people, I love ministry. But I sinned. Satan wanted me to assume that my influence for Christ was now washed up…just like me. There could be nothing remotely salvageable from the ashes of my betrayal. My influence would only now disillusion others rather than draw them to the King of Kings.

But…I’m not buying that argument. Not even close! You see…if that were true…then the gospel is false. If that line of reasoning had any validity, then the words of Christ spoken to Peter after he had betrayed the Savior, “Peter, do you love me? Feed my sheep” have no validity.” But those words revived not just a man…but a mission! Peter didn’t leave the campfire with smoke on him…he walked away with a fire in him. He served with distinction and his influence is still with us today.

That’s what Jesus does…He stirs us, entices us, woos us, loves us, forgives us, restores us, empowers us, and sends us out. Only Satan wants us sitting on the shelf licking our wounds. Jesus wants us standing on His promises and by the power of the Holy Spirit licking Satan in the battle.

What’s happening with your influence? As you navigate life and take a wrong turn or two, or three… what is happening with your influence? Don’t be defeated by your sin…stand with Christ! Turn to Him…let Him restore you…let Him use you…let Him be the one who lets His influence on you be visible to others. That’s how you navigate the maze of Satan’s confusing assaults. You remained surrendered to the influence of Jesus. You listen to Him. You believe Him. You walk with Him.

So…go ahead…Influence to your heart’s content. You can’t help it! But do it in a godly manner and give God the glory. In Christ, "You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Matthew 5:13-15